Light of the World

A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 20

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 19 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

"America’s best novelist" (The Denver Post) and "the reigning champ of nostalgia noir" (The New York Times Book Review) introduces his most evil character yet in the 20th thriller in the best-selling Dave Robicheaux series.

A New York Times best-selling author many times over, James Lee Burke is a two-time Edgar Award-winner whose every book is cause for excitement, especially those in the wildly popular Dave Robicheaux series.

In Light of the World, sadist and serial killer Asa Surrette narrowly escaped the death penalty for the string of heinous murders he committed while capital punishment was outlawed in Kansas. But following a series of damning articles written by Dave Robicheaux’s daughter Alafair about possible other crimes committed by Surette, the killer escapes from a prison transport van and heads to Montana - where an unsuspecting Dave happens to have gone to take in the sweet summer air, accompanied by Alafair, his wife Molly, faithful partner Clete, and Clete’s newfound daughter, Gretchen Horowitz, whom listeners met in Burke’s most recent best seller Creole Belle.

"James Lee Burke remains the heavy weight champ," says New York Times best-seller Michael Connelly, "a great American novelist whose work...is unsurpassed." The master proves it once again with this harrowing novel that examines the nature of evil and pits Dave Robicheaux against the most diabolical villain he has ever faced.

©2013 James Lee Burke (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

A long story, I’ve listened to it several times. My dog loves Will Patton’s voice. This is one of my favorites .

A very involved story. I would not recommend until you feel you know the families. No way to appreciate it in my opinion , until you’ve gone through everything with these guys. I love them all .

Another masterpiece

I can not say enough good things about the Robicheaux series. His characters become so very real and his imagery always makes me feel transported...

A Real Disappointment Uninspired and long-winded.

Almost a clichéd parody of Burke's usual great writing. Too much talk at the end.

stunning

loved it a lot! Burke is my favorite author of all times
just has a way with words, brilliant

Great writer & reader

Love James Lee Burke's books & I know no better reader than Will Patton. Burke's material is like a well crafted weapon and Patton wields it like a master.

The Best Yet

If you could sum up Light of the World in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, riveting beautifully written.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gretchen is relentless and strong.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final scene with Dave and Cletus.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

My fear that Cletus would actually die.

Any additional comments?

This was one of my favorites because the writing was so beautifully eloquent but he didn't get too verbose and become irritating!

And, of course, Will Patton ads an enticing flavor with his gift.

He never fails!

Would you consider the audio edition of Light of the World to be better than the print version?

I love to own both versions. I have collected all of the print copies of Burke's books but I love to hear them too. Will Patton was the perfect choice to read these stories and Burke's language flows so well in the audio versions.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As in all of his books Burke's characters are complex and on missions to complicate their lives and those of the ones they love. It is impossible to become a part of these books without thinking "Please, stop now!". Of course they don't and therein lies the story.

Any additional comments?

With many series authors the books start becoming shorter and the plots less involved. Burke defies this trend. Each of the Dave Robicheaux books is complex, thick with a sense of place and time and the complicated mix of human emotions. I look forward to each new addition to my Burke library.

Another exciting adventure for Dave and Clete

Great story and loved that Wyatt Dixon joined the story he is such an interesting character. Will Patton's narration really brings the characters alive.

My favorite thus far

I've read it and listened to it twice, that should be review enough!
Extremely entertaining, and I'm in love with the characters

Love James Lee Burke

I am never disappointed in Burke's books.
The characters are unforgettable. I have read them all at least once and not am listening on audible. The reader did an excellent job with the different voices